Akari bolsters depth ahead of 2026 All-Filipino Conference with three key signings

Akari is choosing reinforcement over reinvention as it gears up for the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, quietly assembling a roster built on balance, flexibility, and insurance against last season’s setbacks.

The Chargers made that intent clear on Saturday by unveiling three additions in Cza Carandang, Judith Abil, and Jyne Soreño—moves that address specific gaps exposed during a campaign derailed by injuries yet salvaged by a hard-earned bronze medal in the Reinforced Conference.

Carandang arrives as a timely solution up front. Coming from the now-defunct Chery Tiggo side, the middle blocker brings much-needed size and presence at the net, giving Akari a stronger frontline rotation alongside Ced Domingo and Fifi Sharma following the departure of Ezra Madrigal. 

Her inclusion allows the Chargers to sustain pressure in the middle without overloading their primary options.

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JYNE SOREÑO, CZA CARANDANG, AND JUDITH ABIL JOIN AKARI CHARGERS FOR 2026 PVL SEASON! pic.twitter.com/y21OqwMT2p

— Torey Canino (@tj_canino) January 10, 2026

Abil, meanwhile, adds a layer of versatility that often separates playoff teams from title contenders. The former Cignal standout has built a reputation as a dependable all-around contributor—capable of filling multiple roles and delivering in high-leverage moments—making her a valuable stabilizer in a lineup that struggled to stay intact last season.

Soreño completes the trio as a spark plug off the bench. The eighth overall pick in the previous draft, she previously thrived in a reserve role with Chery Tiggo, where her ability to provide instant offense proved crucial. 

That same scoring pop is expected to give Akari more flexibility in managing rotations and late-set situations.

Taken together, the signings reflect a calculated response to last year’s lessons. Akari proved it could compete even while shorthanded; now, with improved depth and the promise of a healthier roster, the Chargers are positioning themselves to turn resilience into consistency when the All-Filipino Conference begins.

Rather than chasing headlines, Akari has focused on fit—and with the pieces now in place, the Chargers believe they are better equipped to make a deeper run in the season ahead.

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